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NHL, Warner Bros. Pictures To Promote “300”

NEW YORK (March 5, 2007) – The National Hockey League (NHL) and Warner Bros. Pictures have teamed on an integrated marketing campaign to promote the studio’s highly anticipated film “300.” The NHL and its Member Clubs will support the release of “300,” which is set to open in theaters nationwide March 9, with a TV spot, co-branded merchandise, on-line promotions and player appearances, all as part of the NHL’s “Quest for the Cup” initiative.

The 30-second TV promo features NHL game action and mixes dramatic shots of NHL players and the Stanley Cup with battle scenes and dialogue from the film. The spot, which was produced by NHL Productions, will air during NHL game broadcasts on NBC, VERSUS, TSN and local affiliates. The promo also will appear on NHL.com and in-arena during NHL games in select NHL markets. In addition, NHL clubs will offer its fans various giveaways, including t-shirts featuring the “Quest for the Cup” and “300” logos and passes to screenings of the film. Former and current NHL players, including members of the Anaheim Ducks, are slated to attend the March 5 Los Angeles premiere of the film, accompanied by the Stanley Cup.

“This promotion is just another step in the NHL’s overall efforts to integrate the NHL brand into the entertainment landscape,” said Ed Horne, President, NHL Enterprises.

“Hockey is a non-stop, action-packed sport, making the NHL a perfect promotional partner for our film ‘300,’ which has all the action hockey fans could want,” added Dawn Taubin, President, Domestic Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures. “This is a very exciting facet of our marketing campaign that puts this innovative new film in a whole new arena.”

“300” is a ferocious retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. Inspired by the work of graphic novelist Frank Miller, creator of “Sin City,” and directed by Zack Snyder (“Dawn of the Dead”), the film brings Miller’s acclaimed graphic novel to life by combining live action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents in association with Legendary Pictures and Virtual Studios, a Mark Canton / Gianni Nunnari Production, “300.” The film stars Gerard Butler (“Phantom of the Opera”), Lena Headey (“The Brothers Grimm”), David Wenham (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy) and Dominic West (“The Forgotten”). The screenplay is written by Zack Snyder & Kurt Johnstad and Michael B. Gordon, based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley.

“300” is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. This film has been rated “R” for “graphic battle sequences throughout, some sexuality and nudity.”
The William Morris Agency represented the NHL in the deal.

Warner Home Video (WHV) is the official global home video partner of the NHL, developing a line-up of high-end, collectible DVD and video products targeting hockey fans worldwide. Warner Home Video is a division of Warner Bros. Entertainment.

For free broadcast-quality video of the promo for media, log on to www.thenewsmarket.com/nhl to preview and request video. You can receive broadcast-standard video digitally or by tape from this site. Registration and video is free to the media. For photos or screenshots, visit www.image.net. Media will not be charged an editorial usage fee for images available on Image.net.